2010 SHARP Recipients

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in May 2010 that Americans with disabilities had an unemployment rate of 14.7 percent, compared with 9.1 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted. The SHARP award-winning Stewart-Marchman-Act (SMA) Behavioral Healthcare Enrichment Program aims to reduce that unemployment figure while at the same time keeping vulnerable workers safe.

The Printing House Earns First SHARP Award

Just four years ago, The Printing House, a producer of more than 400 high-quality, full-color magazines and publications, was on OSHA's high DART rate list. Today, the company is celebrating a safety turnaround by earning OSHA's SHARP recognition.

Establishing a culture where safety is valued by every employee and can withstand the test of time requires relentless focus and a strong corporate commitment. Just ask the employees of the Thomas & Betts Corporation's Ormond Beach manufacturing facility who have earned three SHARP distinctions in four years despite economic challenges and a change in company ownership. According to Jim McIntire, Thomas & Betts' environmental, health and safety manager, all of the employees at Ormond Beach are committed to--and share responsibility for--the facility's deeply rooted safety culture.

Thomas & Betts' safety success is impressive. The manufacturer of electrical connectors has two locations in Ormond Beach, and both are SHARP certified. The newest recipient to earn a SHARP, the 1 Aviator Facility, has not had an OSHA recordable injury or incident during the last 18 months. As a result, workers' compensation claims have dropped significantly, a critical component in managing overall costs.